In general, any methods of discipline applied to the body which tend to modify its desires or repulsions, are goodfor ascetic ends. But if done for display, they betray at once a man who keeps an eye on outward show; who has an ulterior purpose, and is looking for spectators to shout, Oh what a great man! This is why Apollonius so well said: If you are bent upon a little private discipline, wait till you are choking with heat some daythen take a mouthful of cold water, an spit it out again, and tell no man!